The Taft Family

Friday, October 30, 2009

What's been going on....

I have been neglecting my blog as of late. We have just been busy-running around and living the dream. You know...work, cleaning house, doing homework, running kids to dance and piano, laundry. The typical dream life. I live it. :)

Here are a few pics of what has been going on.

Practicing our dirty faces at the sisters... getting cheeks painted....

Getting to spend lots of quality time with Landon-both of us sporting our Smart Start Preschool t-shirts.

Going to the pumpkin patch and picking out pumpkins!

We got a new kitty and named her Charlie. Fingers crossed that she makes it! Female kittens have had a hard time surviving at our house.

Making homemade chicken noodle soup...

Making homemade earrings. (Parker is obsessed with earrings-:)

Talking on squash phones...

Carving pumpkins! Always a fun thing to do in our family. This was the first time that Parker carved hers all on her own! :) Will post pictures of finished pumpkins later.

Pacie had to finish up her homework before she could carve her pumpkin. She wasn't pleased..but finally got it done and she poked out her kitten.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Extremes

I was thinking the other day about motherhood. And the extremes that I go through on a daily basis parenting our kids.

Presley is at a really hard stage right now. She is a little destructo. This week alone she has gotten into fingernail polish, lipstick, an entire brand new industrial size bag of goldfish (which she subsequently dumped onto the floor), a loaf of bread, a glass pumpkin lid (which didn't survive and even cut Pacie's foot in the process) and just this morning she got into a box of powdered donut holes and spread them all over the carpet. JUST THIS WEEK ALONE. Here is a peek at her trail of destruction this morning.

And then there's Landon. There are many many tales I could tell about him. Just a couple reminders.....the paper shredder incident and the carpet fingernail polish incident. Another recent favorite is when he and Presley are in the tub and they splash to the point of totally flooding the bathroom. In fact, they've been caught several times doing cannonballs into the tub off of the sides. Please notice the filthy dirty shirt and the crumbs all over the couch. I don't know why he was eating on the couch, mind you...but there you go.

When things like that happen, it is very difficult to keep my cool. I do always try to look on of the bright or the funny side of things. I do try to remember that these moments are small ones and do not have eternal consequences.

And then I see pictures like this:

And have moments like this:

And I know why I have extremes. Because I love these kids more than life itself. All of my kids. These two are just cause the most anxiety at the moment. I love being a mommy. And the extreme frustration and discouragement is completely balanced out by the extreme love and adoration I have for all of my kids.

And I guess it's true what they say: You can't know the joy without the sorrow. You can't know the good without the bad. And I'm sure I wouldn't appreciate the good days without the bad ones.

In the meantime, I will just keep trying to laugh and remember that my kids will be grown and gone in the blink of an eye. And I will miss those powdered donuts scattered across the floor.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Happy Halloween...a couple of weeks early!!

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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Happy Anniversary, Scott

Today, 9 years ago, Scott and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a beautiful sunny day. It was also the beginning of something I only could've dreamed of. Scott is truly my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the most amazing daddy to our kids. I am so grateful that he is forever mine and that there have been "no complaints or doubts". I love you, Scott! Happy Anniversary!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Family

All of the family.

A couple of weekends ago we were able to go to Utah to attend the baby blessing of Mitch and Sarah's baby boy, Jack. He was born on July 9th (Pacie's birthday) and is the cutest little guy. It was so fun for the five of us siblings to be together with my parents for even a few short hours. Mitch and Sarah live the farthest away in Las Vegas. But really, we are not too spread out. Matt and I are here in Idaho Falls with my parents, Rachel and Danny are in Logan, and Tyler and Ashlee are in West Jordan. We do get to see each other more than some, but it has been a while since the whole family was together.

Mitch did a beautiful job on the blessing and we were able to go to a luncheon at Sarah's sisters house afterward. (We took some really nice family pictures there that Rachel has on her camera and I am waiting for my copy....) But I wanted to put these pictures up today, especially after hearing Elder Bednar's conference talk this morning.

I do not tell my siblings often enough how much I love them. And although this probably counts as a public telling (even though it's not sacrament meeting) I want them to know how much I do love and respect all of them. Also, I hope by my actions, they know how much I do love each of them, their spouses (and girlfriend...;) and their kids.

Thanks, mom and dad, for raising us to be friends and creating memories and bonds from such a young age that are still holding strong today. I love the two of you both more than you know as well.

Gramps with his two handsome grandsons, Landon and Jack.

My handsome dad, brother and baby boy.

Gramps with Jack. I love his little face!!

Mamie and Gramps with all of their grandkids.

9 Total. 7 girls and 2 boys!

Our little family with Mitch and Sarah, Ari and Jack and Mamie and Gramps.

How thankful I am for eternal families.

I will post our other family pics when I get them. You can actually see everyone in them-all of the adults anyway! :)

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Just call me mom.

Landon has started coming to preschool with me two days a week. Things have been going pretty smoothly. It has been a little difficult establishing different boundaries during school time and then during normal time. But overall I have been really happy with his behavior and progress.

Yesterday we were talking about Clowns (and Cookies). I was helping a very sad boy with his paper when I hear Landon saying, "Mom. Mommy. Moooom.". I didn't react instantly, as I was really trying to get this sobbing little boy to be not so sobbing anymore.

All of the sudden I hear:

"MRS. TAFT!" come out of Landon's mouth.

I immediately turned and looked at him with a half smile, half shocked look on my face.

"I NEED HELP!".

I patted the sobbing boy on the back and went to help my own son.

It sounded so funny to hear him address me as "Mrs. Taft", but I guess he realized that was the only way to get my attention.

I will listen from now on when he says, "Mommy!!"

And just because he is so dang cute, here are a couple of his silly clown faces. I couldn't resist!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

My little patch of heaven....

When Scott and I built our house, we had no idea how much work it would be to get the yard in. Scott has been working a ton in the yard and he (and I do mean he...I haven't done a thing out there!!!) finally has everything pretty much prepped and hopefully we will be planting here shortly. But for now, I have a little patch of heaven in my backyard.

My parents are doing an addition on the back of their house and had to cut away some sod to make room. They graciously offered to come and give it to us. We decided to put it right around our back door-kind of a natural dirt stopper, I hope!

They came and worked to get it ready and had most of it laid in no time. Scott and my dad worked on it the next morning to get it all finished up. I can't believe the difference a little grass makes!! It will be so fun to have a full yard of green grass in the spring. It really is the little things that make a girl happy!

One of my friends commented the other day about how great my parents are. I have to agree-and I'll add my brother Matt to the list. He does so much for us-I'm thankful he's right next door. He is a great uncle and friend to me and to my kids!

So thanks, mom and dad for our little patch of heaven in the backyard! And thanks again for your work in putting it in. Love you!

PS Don't we grow cute flowers around here??

Overheard

This past Sunday I was called to give the opening prayer. Right as the opening song was ending, Presley gave me an elbow to the ribs and said, "Mom! Make your move!"

The same Sunday, Pacie was solving a word puzzle. She first thought the missing word was "gift", but it didn't quite fit. She then changed it to "toye". I said, "What is that?" She quickly changed it to "toys" followed by, "Wow. I need to go back to school!" (8/5/12)

This morning Presley came and snuggled with me in bed. Here is our converstaion.

Me: "Presley, did you sleep well?"

Pres: "Yes mom, and I had a GREAT dream!"

Me: "What was your dream?"

Pres: "That Jesus loves me."

Talk about melt my heart! Sweet little girl. How I love the innocence of children. (2/1/12)

Parker, Pacie and I went on a fairly long bike ride. It was 7 miles...and when we were deciding the route, I told the girls it was the same one I ran a few weekends ago. Pacie's reply was, "If you can run it...I can ride it!". I told her I liked her attitude.

A few miles later-on mile 6, we were facing a pretty steep uphill. Pacie was having a hard time and was getting tired. I said, "pacie, do you remember the story of the Little Engine that Could?" Her reply was PRICELESS. "Mom, I'm not a little engine, I'm a little GIRL!". (7/13)

Parker pulled a Pacie this weekend. We were driving by the "Castle of Chaos" in Salt Lake City. The girls asked what it was and we said probably some type of Haunted House or something. Scott mentioned that he had even gone there before we were married. Parker said, "Well, that door says it's the tickling door. I'm NOT going in there for sure." Uh, upon closer inspection we realized it was actually the "ticketing" door.... (5/1)

This morning we were in my bathroom getting ready for school. Piper had found a little paper fish and started chewing on it. Pacie looked over and said, "oh look, Piper is having sushi!". Parker and I thought that was pretty funny! (4/20)

Last night Pacie was really tired-falling asleep during scriptures. Scott told the kids we were going to tidy up before they went to bed. Pacie started to complain a bit about how tired she was when Landon said, "I will do Pacie's work, so she can go to bed." It's not funny-but I thought I had to document it....so we can remember that he stepped up to be the "big" brother for his sis. Sweet. (4/18)

Tonight Pacie told me she learned a new word. Sublimation. Uh-apparently it's when something goes from a solid to a gas. Then Parker chimed in and said she learned hypothesis. I'm glad they are listening! (2/25)

Today the doorbell rang and Presley ran to get it. She opened it and I heard Scott say, "Boo!". She said, exasperated, "Daddy, I thought you were a customer!" (2/25)

While updating the blog today I was writing about Scotland. Landon was reading over my shoulder and said, "mom you were in Scotland?" I said I was and his reply was, "Well did Daddy go to Jill-land?" I laughed out loud for more than a minute. So cute. (2/17)

We were at a hotel in Utah last weekend for the girls dance competition. We were having breakfast there in the morning and they had tiny poppyseed muffins. When Presley saw them, she said, "Yes, mommy. I want one of those polka-dot muffins". (2/12)

Yesterday I was curling Presley's hair. I took the curling iron out leaving a ringlet. Presley got very excited saying, "Yes, yes, I want my hair like that. Like bouncy do's." (2/8)

We have a series of DVD's called Signing Time that teaches little children early signing. There is a song on it called, "Proud to be Me", and it talks about being proud to be a boy or a girl. Well, I heard Presley's version the other day while driving. "I'm a girl, I'm a girl, I'm proud to be naughty." Oh dear. When correcting her and telling her it's "proud to be me", she now sings, "I'm proud to be mean, yeah". (2/2)

Today while we were driving Landon said, "Mom, I know who I am going to marry.". I said, "You do?" He said yes and then proceeded to give the following details...

1-She has long blonde hair.

2-She lives in Blackfoot.

3-I see her all of the time.

4- We are getting married in the Idaho temple.

I was very confused because we don't know anyone in Blackfoot. I was wondering if he'd had some type of revelation...or something! Anyway, I said, "Who is it Landon?" His answer: Ryan. (Rachel's daughter).

I said, "Landon, you can't marry her. She's your cousin." His reply, "But Mom, she's my Best Friend!"

Oh-and Ryan lives in Logan too. Hyrum actually. Not even close to Blackfoot. :) (11/30)

Landon isn't feeling good tonight. He just came into the office and started climbing up on my lap. I said, "Do you just need to snuggle?" He said, "Yes Mommy. You are just so comfortable." Aw, melt my heart little man. (11/9)

While driving home from piano, the girls were enjoying a frozen yogurt in the back seat. I said, "Boy, it sure is quiet in here!" There was a slight pause, and then Pacie said, "Yes. It is very tranquil." Really? Tranquil, eh? (9/29)

Today at Maverik a little tumbleweed blew through the parking lot. Pacie said, "Mom, it's one of those things you see in the wild wild west!" (9/24)

Tonight Landon and Presley were both in Landon's room playing some game that had them laughing and giggling. Parker walked in and said, "Well you two are obviously up to no good.". I thought to myself....and you're just now figuring this out?? I love my kids! (9/22)

The other night we were driving by my Uncle Barry's house. He and Sue watched Landon and Presley for us one night and they had a wonderful time. As we drove by their house, Landon said, "Oh, I played there!" I said, "Where, Landon?" and he thoughfully said, "You know, Grapes's house!" Me, confused, "Grapes's house?" Then it clicked. Barry-Grapes. Read BERRY, Grapes. I laughed out loud. funny funny boy. (9/1)

Tonight Pacie picked an apple off of my uncle's apple tree. It was a tiny green sour one. She took a bite and said, "Oh, this is delicious! I can feel myself getting healthy!". (8/25)

Last night Landon was chosen first to pick a song for FHE. He went and stood in front of the fireplace-the designated spot for the song leader and we said, "What song do you want to sing?" He thought for a moment, and then answered with, "Hey Soul Sister". ;) (7/12)

Pacie has been very interested in this pregnancy asking several pointed questions to this time. We've had some good conversation. Yesterday while getting her hair cut she asked me, "Mom, is our baby going to have white skin or black skin?". I almost choked. I explained that since daddy and I both have white skin, our baby will have white skin too. And if she doesn't....well I think I may have some serious explaining to do. (3/25)

Tonight Pacie was carrying a new Scentsy warmer down to her and Parker's bedroom down the stairs. The top part was rattling a little bit and I said, "Parker, come grab the top for Pacie." Pacie turned and looked at me and said, "Mom, you just stole my mind!" Love it. (3/11)

Landon calls spaghetti, "ska-betty". No matter how many times he tries to say it-and he knows it's not right...it comes out, "skabetty". So cute.

We were at Wal-mart the other day and Landon blurted out..."MOM! That grandma had really broken teeth. Like Pacie". Too funny. And a little sad for the grandma. (1/8)

The kids sang with the primary in the Christmas program yesterday at church. Upon hearing Landon sing "Christmas Bells", I realized I must record how he says Bethlehem. It is:

Beth-of-hem". But to see his little mouth say it is the best. He always has been such a little singer. Love it. (12/21)

Yesterday, Landon wanted a yogurt for breakfast. He picked out a blackberry flavor and I opened it for him. He was so excited and said, "mommy! I got purple berry pie!!" I don't know where he came up with that flavor, but Presley's raspberry flavor became "pink berry pie." I love this little boy of mine. (12/10)

After a function tonight the kids had a visit from Santa where they were given a candy cane. Landon was so excited to have seen Santa and was anxious to dig into his little treat. We got into the car and he took the first few licks. Pretty soon, we hear, (In a very disgusted voice)

"Great, Santa gave me this. And now, it's HOT!"

Needless to say, he didn't finish his candy cane. (12/5)

Tonight at dinner Landon asked for a piece of pumpkin pie which was meant to be for my preschool class the following day. I said no and his reply was, "Excuse me? Are you telling me no?"

Yes, son. I am.

Lately, Landon has been obsessed with who is his cousin/brother/friend etc. We were in his room and he pointed to Woody from Toy Story on the floor and said, "Mom. That's Woody. He's my cousin.". I looked at him with a look that said, "Are you kidding me?" And his comeback was a very sheepish, "He's not my cousin. Ryan is my cousin. He's my friend."

Today I had taken all of Landon's bedding off to wash it. He walked into the bathroom and said in a very worried tone, "Mommy! My bed is naked!!" (10/10)

Today I was doing Landon's hair and when I finished he went out of the bathroom and said, "Princess, I am finished. Princess, where are you?" talking to Presley. Then when he found her he said, "Princess, do you want to dance?" (10/6)

Tonight Landon came in and said, "Mommy, I'm afraid. I am afraid of high heels!". He was DEAD serious. I have no idea where it came from, but it made me laugh!! (10/1)

Today I was putting Landon in the tub. I added some bubbles, and he said, (quietly) "Oh bubbles. I'm so glad you're back."